Sea Kayak - Hobuck Beach

Hobuck Beach Resort, 2726 Makah Passage, Neah Bay, WA 98357

As of this posting, the Makah Tribe is requiring that all non-Makah personal visitors provide a valid picture ID for adults 18 and older as well as PROOF OF BEING FULLY VACCINATED.  They did not indicate that they were accepting vaccine exemptions.  Therefore, anyone signing up for this activity must be fully vaccinated (no vaccine exemptions permitted.)  Because this is an outdoor event, masks are not required, though anyone that wants to wear one should feel free to do so.

What is Surf Zone and Beyond?

Join us for kayaking in the surf and coastal zone near the Hobuck Beach area of Makah Bay, as well as Neah Bay, from June 10 – 14.   Participants can come for the whole time or just for a few days.  

We are hoping to have SK II/III opportunities for those new to the surf zone (in the protected waters of Neah Bay), as well as SKIV/V open coastal opportunities for more experienced paddlers.  Surf play, rock gardening, trips along the coast and a variety of clinics are all part of our itinerary.  The daily plan may vary, depending on surf and weather conditions, how many leaders are able to attend and what participants would like to do that day.   There will be a Saturday night potluck, and if you play an acoustic musical instrument bring it -- you may find some jam sessions!  Non-kayaking spouses/partners/children/pets are welcome to camp with us -- they do not need to sign up for this activity.

 What are prerequisites for signing up?

This part is new:  the only prerequisite is the Sea Kayak badge (though individual leaders can chose to include students on their SKII/III paddles.)

Keep in mind that individual trip and clinic leaders will decide what experience/skill level is needed for their trip or clinic.  For most of the SKIV and SKV trips, leaders will likely require that participants have had previous surf and rock garden experience and be able to manage their own safety in the surf.  

How do I sign up?

There are two steps to signing up for this event: 

First, sign up for this Surf Zone and Beyond activity (that is the one you are reading now, called “Sea Kayak – Hobuck”)) so that we have a head count of who is planning on coming.

Second, sign up for individual paddles and clinics as they get listed (see hyperlinks below under Kayak Trips and Clinics.)      

Kayak trips

Because of the late notice about Hobuck Beach reopening, many of our trip leaders already have other plans and won’t be able to attend this year’s Surf Zone and Beyond.  We will do our best to get some paddles lined up but it’s possible that there will be a limited number available.  Despite this, we would anticipate that you would get some experience paddling in this area and would likely still have a fun and informative time.

We’re working on getting trips lined up.  Keep checking this list -- additional trips will be added as the dates get closer. Launch locations may vary and shuttling may be required. 

June 11:  Shi Shi Beach

June 11:  Cape Flattery and Tatoosh Island

June 12:  Cape Flattery

June 12:  Neah Bay to Waadah Island (Sea Kayak -- Neah Bay)

June 12:  Makah Bay (Hobuck Beach to Anderson Point)

June 13:  Makah Bay (Hobuck Beach to Anderson Point/Portage Head area)

June 13:  Makah Bay (Hobuck Beach to Anderson Pt/Portage Head area): this is a second trip to same location/same day

June 13:  Cape Flattery and Tatoosh Island

June 14:  Cape Flattery (+/- Tatoosh Island)

Clinics 

June 10:  Open Coastal Kayak Clinic (ie, How to Safely Get In and Out of Surf)

June 11: Sea Kayak Incident Management, Rescues and Towing

June 11:  Open Coastal Kayak  Clinic (ie, Learn How to Ride Waves in a Kayak)

June 12:  Open Coastal Kayak Clinic (ie, How to Safely Get In and Out of Surf)

June 14: Rock Gardening Clinic (Neah Bay)

What equipment do I need?

In addition to the ten essentials and kayak gear, dry suits or wet suits are required.  Helmets are required for all activities out of Hobuck Bay or where rock gardening is anticipated, or as indicated by the trip leader. Gloves are required when rock gardening or caving.  Waterproof headlights can be nice to have for caving. 

If you have kayak wheels, bring them!

Shuttling may be necessary so if you have them, bring straps and foam blocks to transport another boat if you have room for more than one kayak on your vehicle.

Where can I stay while I’m there?

A Makah Recreational Use Permit is required for each car ($20 and can be purchased at the Hobuck Beach Resort campground office or various other places in Neah Bay.) Camp fees at the Hobuck Resort are $25/car/night and you do not need to make a reservation.  There are also a limited number of reservable cabins available (check the Hobuck Beach Resort website for information.)

 The campground is basic. It has a men's and women's shower (1 each), multiple porta-potties, and irregularly distributed picnic tables. There are no designated campsites -- simply pick a spot that you like and set up a tent.  Alcohol or recently-legalized mind-altering drugs are not permitted per local (tribal) laws.

There are also a limited number of motel rooms available and a grocery store in Neah Bay.  Local stores and restaurants may require masks at their own discretion.

Carpooling in encouraged -- let’s reduce our carbon footprint where we can.

 Non-kayaking activities

This area has a lot of enjoyable activities such as beach walking, hiking to Shi-Shi, a short hike to Cape Flattery overlook, and visiting the Museum at the Makah Cultural and Research Center.  Check www.Makah.com to see if these areas are open.

There will be a Saturday night potluck and if you play an acoustic musical instrument, bring it -- you may find a jam session!